Alaina Leverenz, MA

Alaina Leverenz is a Doctoral Candidate in Communication at the University of Missouri. She is focused on how families, romantic partners, and friends provide support, enact resilience, and make sense of their experiences through communication when they experience trauma or health crises; particularly through a narrative or metaphor lens. She conducts research with prominent narrative scholars in communication in psychology such as Dr. Haley Horstman, Dr. Robyn Fivush, and Dr. Jennifer Bohanek. 

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She earned her Master of Arts degree in Applied Communication from Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI) where she researched commitment, maintenance, and interdependence in friendships and romantic relationships. She primarily conducted research with Dr. Maria Brann during her time at IUPUI. She received her Bachelor of Science degrees in Communication and Graphic Design from William Woods University.

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Alaina has presented her research on various panels in the Interpersonal and Health Divisions at the National Communication Association (NCA) Conventions, Central States Communication Association (CSCA) Annual Conferences, and International Communication Association (ICA) Conferences. She has also served as a conference submission reviewer for NCA in Applied Communication.

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Alaina has work experience in higher education and nonprofits. She has a passion for volunteering in her community including organizations such as the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault, Indiana Protection for Abused and Trafficked Humans taskforce, Coalition Against Rape and Domestic Violence, PHACE Syndrome Community, and Alpha Chi Omega sorority.